Best of the National Parks
Park Finder
– See all National Park Pages
- Capitol Reef
- Denali
- Glacier
- Grand Canyon
- Grand Teton
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Kings Canyon/Sequoia
- North Cascades
- Olympic
- Rocky Mountain
- Shenandoah
- Yellowstone
- Yosemite
- Zion
Adventure Guides: Life-list Routes, Maps, and Stories
Secret Hikes of Classic National Parks
The perfect dozen: Embark on one of these 12 treks, and turn America’s most iconic preserves into your own private paradise.
National Parks Hall of Fame
The all-time best. That’s what every hiker wants on a national park trek, and that’s what you’ll get if you tackle one of these 25 trips.
National Parks Confidential: Q & A with Filmmaker Ken Burns
Ken Burns discusses the heroes and history of America’s most precious wildlands-and the new challenges they face now.
Yellowstone
Disappear into Yellowstone’s northern fringe, where you’ll find a rejuvenated landscape and total solitude.
Footprints Needed: Colorado’s Undiscovered Black Canyon
Descend into Colorado’s Black Canyon and explore a park that has everything–life-list scenery, challenging terrain, a revitalized river–except hikers.
Great Smoky Mountains
Follow this circuit linking the park’s many historic homesteads.
Rocky Mountain
Set off on a long-forgotten loop across the Continental Divide, through moose-infested meadows, and up Longs Peak.
Yosemite
Hike to surprising solitude on a lost trail to Yosemite’s North Rim.
Grand Canyon
The canyon’s best view isn’t from the rim. Trek to Royal Arch to see for yourself.
Channel Islands
Paddle gentle swells through seacaves, then hike across this reborn island paradise.
The Wrong Way: Top 52 Hiker Mistakes
Your guide to 52 common mistakes hikers make–and how to avoid them.
True tales from the front lines–and behind the scenes–of America’s national parks.
Wild Things: Where to Spot Wildlife
If seeing bears or bighorn sheep, moose or mountain lions is on your life list check out our tips for where, when, & how to catch an eye full.
Hike Forever: The Total Fitness Plan
Get trail-fit fast with this 4-week program was designed specifically for hikers.
Professor Hike: Hiking 101
Our resident expert answers all the little questions. And a few big ones as well.
Wherever you’re headed, our Editor-in-Chief helps you pack for a week-long trip.
Top Trips
Epic wildfower display
Mt. Cammerer, Great Smoky Mountains, TN
North Palisade, Kings Canyon, CA
Half Dome, Yosemite, CA
Tanner Trail to Inner Gorge, Grand Canyon, AZ
Mummy Range, Rocky Mountain, CO
Gear Checklists
Trip Planners
- Yosemite
- Rocky Mountain
- Zion
- Grand Canyon
- Yellowstone